Chapter 3
Harry was trying to burp Teddy in the kitchen when Malfoy made his next appearance the following morning.
“You let him do that on you?” Malfoy asked in disgust as Teddy finally chucked.
Harry rolled his eyes but smiled, cleaning up the mess. “Glad to see you’re feeling better.”
Malfoy nodded, sitting down at the table when Harry waved him forward. “Thank you for fixing me, Potter. How did you do it? I don’t recall you being particularly good at healing charms.”
Harry nodded, grimacing. “I’m kind of rubbish, actually, but I remembered the spell Snape used on you back in sixth year…” he trailed off. He didn’t know how Malfoy would react to the time Harry almost killed him.
Malfoy merely looked surprised. “You remember?”
“It’s hard to forget,” Harry mumbled, flushing bright red. “Malfoy, I- “
“If you attempt to apologise to me, I will hex you,” Malfoy said angrily. “I was casting the cruciatus curse. You were only trying to defend yourself.”
Harry shook his head. “I can take cruciatus. I didn’t know what that spell did. It was seriously irresponsible. I should’ve just left you alone.”
“Yeah, well, I should’ve left the Dark Lord alone. It’s over, anyhow,” Malfoy said simply, nodding at Kreacher aristocratically when his breakfast was presented. He smirked slightly. “Who would’ve thought Mr. Perfect Gryffindor could be irresponsible?” he asked sardonically.
They fell into companionable silence, but Harry couldn’t shake his guilt. He attempted to direct his attention to Teddy, who was now looking up at him with bright purple eyes and green hair.
Hermione and Ron entered, although they slowed down when they took in the scene. It wasn’t every day one saw Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy eating together, after all.
“This is weird,” Ron declared as he collapsed on a chair to Harry’s right.
Everyone simply nodded. He wasn’t wrong.
“Right, Hermione, what’s the plan for today?” Harry asked.
Malfoy looked indignant. “Potter, why are you treating Granger like a receptionist?”
Harry blushed. “I wasn’t meaning to. Hermione’s just really organised and knows what’s going on.”
Hermione waved Malfoy off, but looked slightly pleased. “You’ve got a meeting with Kingsley at 10, and then your needed at Hogwarts to help repair the wards. After lunch you’re free.”
Malfoy nodded. “Great. We can do the bonding then.”
Harry almost spat out his pumpkin juice. “Excuse me. Who, exactly, am I bonding with?”
“Me, of course,” Malfoy said nonchalantly. “I’ll pledge myself to you and then my life debt will be resolved.”
Harry frowned, “Bonding sounds really extreme though, doesn’t it? It sounds like we’re going to be connected.”
Ron nodded. “You will be. Malfoy has to serve you. If you ask for something, it will hurt Malfoy if he doesn’t do what you ask.”
Harry attempted to control his emotions as he called for Kreacher to take Teddy to the nursery. “Let him have half an hour of tummy time. I’ll be up soon.”
As soon as Kreacher was out of sight, Harry rounded on the three at the table. “What the actual fuck are you talking about?” Harry snarled. “That sounds like indentured servitude.”
“It is,” Hermione said quietly. She winced when she noticed the weather changing outside. Dark grey clouds were swarming and the tell-tale sound of thunder grew in the distance. “Get yourself under control, please. You’re affecting the weather again.”
Harry breathed slowly through his nose and the thunder stopped, although the clouds remained. “I don’t want Malfoy to be forced to do whatever I say. That’s something Voldemort would do.”
Malfoy and Ron shuddered. Hermione just rolled her eyes. “Do you really think we’d let you do something like that? It’s fine, Harry, you just have to be really specific with the wording.”
Harry turned to Malfoy. “You’re okay with this,” he accused.
Malfoy nodded once. “I’d rather not put my life into your hands once again, but I follow the Old Ways. I give myself willingly.”
Harry gulped, but nodded.
“Good to see you, Harry” Kingsley said genially when Harry popped through the Minister’s fireplace. Ron and Hermione had taken Teddy with them to the Burrow. He would never admit this, but watching Ron interact with a baby was one of Harry’s favourite things to do these days. He was both incredibly uncomfortable and unsure but also so gentle and happy whenever he was holding Teddy. Hermione seemed to love watching Ron with Teddy, too, and sometimes Harry felt as though he was intruding on a private moment.
“Morning, Kingsley,” Harry said brightly. “How are you?”
“Not too bad,” Kingsley smiled tiredly. “I was up all of last night questioning Greyback under Veritaserum. Now that that’s finished, we can start his trial.”
Harry shuddered, but nodded. “Good. The ministry cells are too good for that bastard.”
Kingsley raised his eyebrow but nodded. Harry had been pretty diplomatic and quiet about the death eater trials so far, only speaking in the Wizengamot if absolutely necessary. Apart from Narcissa and Draco Malfoy’s trials, and Severus Snapes’ post-humus pardoning. He had been quite vocal then.
“The trials will take place on June 2nd. It will be a full trial from the Wizengamot, so you’ll have to be there,” Kingsley said. Harry nodded. He was going to be there whether he was needed or not. There was no way Harry was raising Teddy in a world where Fenrir Greyback walked free.
“Kingsley,” Harry began, unsure of how much to tell him of his eventful weekend. Figuring that Kingsley was generally one of sense, he decided to stick to as close to the truth as possible. “Draco Malfoy showed up on my doorstep dying this Saturday.”
Kingsley stilled. “I’m sorry?”
“Yeah, he’d been attacked. Snape had given him a portkey to use to go to a safe place if ever he was in danger and too injured to apparate. He didn’t know I lived there,” Harry explained. “It made me realise that I have no idea how many people have access to my house.”
Kingsley frowned, nodding. “Yes, that does pose a few problems. It’ll probably be safest to remove the Fidelius charm entirely and create a new one.” At Harry’s look, Kingsley sighed. “I know you don’t like the Fidelius, Harry, but we can’t exactly have death eaters popping in and out of your house.”
“Former death eaters,” Harry corrected. Kingsley paused but nodded. Harry sighed, “The Dursley’s house wasn’t under Fidelius, and I was safe there. Dumbledore used a blood ward.”
Kingsley gasped. “A blood ward? That’s incredibly dark magic. Although, I suppose Dumbledore wouldn’t have resorted to such drastic measures unless absolutely necessary.”
Harry decided not to comment. Instead, he continued, “I’m not particularly fond of the idea of bleeding once a week to keep the wards strong, either. I was just wondering if there were any other wards you knew about for protection.”
Kingsley nodded. “I’ll think about it. I’m sure we can come up with something apart from the Fidelius in the long term. In the meantime, though, I really think you should reset it. If nothing else, just for my peace of mind.”
Harry sighed, but nodded, sensing a losing battle. Perhaps Hermione would have some ideas. “Fine. I’ll do it tonight.”
Kingsley nodded, pleased. “I’d like to discuss with you your plans for the upcoming year,” he said, moving on to business.
Harry sighed. “I have to admit, Kingsley, I haven’t had much of a chance to think about it.” He didn’t mention that he hadn’t thought he’d have a future, as those sorts of comments tended to make people upset.
“Ah yes, I can imagine caring for a baby has been quite a challenge. You’re so young, Harry. Are you sure you don’t want to put Teddy in someone else’s care? I’m sure we can find someone suitable,” Kingsley said lightly.
Harry’s nostrils flared angrily, but he tried to reign in his temper. “No offence, Minister, but I do not have much faith in the ministry to find a suitable home for a war orphan,” Harry said pointedly. “Besides, Teddy is a Black. He has no living family that weren’t death eaters. He’s my godson – Remus and Tonks made it clear that he was to be in my care, if they should pass.”
Kingsley nodded calmly. He never seemed particularly put off by Harry’s anger issues. Harry supposed that was because he’d been there to witness the episode in Dumbledore’s office in fifth year. “I can see you’re firmly against that plan. No matter. Your plans for the next year – I understand you indicated that you wanted to be an Auror?”
Harry frowned. “I don’t have my NEWTs.”
“I know, but, given the circumstances, Head Auror Robards has offered you, and Ron and Hermione, an invitation to join the training program without your NEWTs. It seems your practical experience outweighs anything you could learn in a classroom,” Kingsley said dryly. “Alternatively, Minerva is quite confident that Hogwarts will be able to reopen in September if you would like to attend for your seventh year. I believe that is what Hermione plans to do.”
Harry nodded. They had discussed it at length. Hermione was keen to finish her studies, but both Ron and Harry were unsure. He thought about it for a bit. “How many death eaters are unaccounted for?” he asked suddenly.
Kingsley looked surprised. “Six. Avery, Crabbe, Goyle, Jugson, and the Lestrange brothers.”
Harry nodded. “I don’t want to join the training program. If Robards is okay with it, I’d like to find them with the rest of the aurors. After they’re caught and given a fair trial, I’ll decide what to do.”
Kingsley nodded grimly. “I had a feeling you would say that. I’ll arrange the meeting for the two of you.”
“Thank you,” Harry hesitated. “I’d appreciate it if this was not offered to Ron. He deserves every opportunity to join the training program – he more than deserves that – but I don’t want to put him into danger if he’s not properly trained.”
Kingsley raised an eyebrow. “Done. But, Harry, consider that you are planning on entering the field without proper training.”
Harry smiled grimly. “It wouldn’t be the first time. Besides, that’s the plan. I reckon if I make myself vulnerable, they’ll want to attack.”
“You want to be bait?” Kingsley asked, frowning.
Harry shrugged. “It’ll be over with much more quickly. Besides, I’m sure Robards will teach me a few things before he lets me out into the field.”
Kingsley nodded slowly. “I can’t say I like this plan, Harry. But I have to admit it will be good publicity.”
Harry frowned. Since when had Kingsley be concerned with image? Figuring that he got his way, he decided not to push it. “Well, I have to get to Hogwarts to help with the rebuilding. Thank you for meeting with me, Kingsley.”
“Of course, Harry,” the minister said warmly, shaking his hand. “Before I let you go, you mentioned Draco Malfoy. Do you need me to send some aurors to ensure he doesn’t come back?”
Harry frowned. “That won’t be necessary. He doesn’t pose a threat.” At Kingsley’s look of incredulity, he added quickly, “He’s too injured.”
“I see,” Kingsley said, looking relieved. “Well, let us know if we can do anything for you, Harry.”
Harry was starting to get the impression that, no matter how decent the person was, the Minister for Magic would always be slightly corrupt. Perhaps it was the position itself – cursed like the Defence Against the Dark Arts professor at Hogwarts.
A small, nagging voice that sounded vaguely like Hermione’s sounded in his mind. Heavy is the head that wears the crown. Harry shuddered.